For those of us who grew up at the Shore, collecting shells is simply part of life. It may not be something we do every time we hit the beach, but nearly everyone has memories of dragging sandy pails home, clattering with clam and mussel shells. And who doesn’t remember a mom or aunt warning, “Rinse those outside—or better yet, leave them out there!”
Shells turn up on porches and patios, in buckets by back steps, throughout the beach towns of Atlantic and Cape May counties. They’re part of the rhythm of growing up at the Jersey Shore. And if we didn’t find the ones we wanted during the day, our parents might’ve bought us a few extras on the boardwalk that night.
Few simple pleasures compare to collecting shells with children—sorting the pretty from the broken, bringing them home, lining a garden path, or painting them with whatever the child is into that summer: rainbows, baseballs, hearts, or their name.
But someone in our midst has taken this tradition to a new level.
Walk the Ventnor Fishing Pier—almost any time of year—and stop where the steps dip down to the beach. Look to the left. What you’ll see is more than a beach scene: it’s a temporary art installation made entirely of painted clam shells, arranged to mark holidays, seasons and moments in time.
Someone—few know who—has quietly created a year-round tradition. The shell murals appear like clockwork, celebrating the Fourth of July, honoring Memorial or Labor Day, thanking moms and dads, sharing spooky Halloween greetings or heartfelt Valentine’s Day hearts. These painted shell displays have become part of the lore of the Ventnor Pier.
What makes them even more intriguing is their mystery. The artist leaves no name or clues. With some sleuthing, I managed to track him down. I thought he’d want to be featured here, pose with his work, maybe even save five copies for his mother. But he declined. He prefers to stay anonymous, quietly bringing joy while keeping the spotlight off himself.
This quiet “shell whisperer” helps us celebrate the seasons, mark holidays we might otherwise overlook, and bring beauty to one small stretch of beach.
And now, he’s inspired others.
Turn to the right side of the pier, facing the ocean, and you’ll find a growing circle of painted shells—likely created by residents and visitors inspired by the shell whisperer. What began as one anonymous gesture of joy has grown into a communal art project. Kids and adults alike paint messages, jokes, tributes and thoughts onto the smallest of canvases: a single shell.
Some shells offer encouragement. Some are funny. Others are personal. All are part of an ongoing, wordless conversation.
The shell whisperer speaks on the left. The community answers on the right. It’s simple, it’s sweet, and it’s a Ventnor tradition.
Messages from local shell whisperers
- The world needs you
- Complain less
- Whales can’t vote
- Hire a vet
- Have a dream
- Miss you, Nana
- Thank a nurse
- Gym–Beach–Pizza
- Ventnor Produce
- Shop Ventnor
- Be kind
- Try new things
- Sun Zone
- You matter
- Pumpkin spice
- Nice people in this town
- Beach yoga is best
Creative ways to make the most of beach shells
Shells make beautiful keepsakes and are perfect for easy, meaningful crafts. Try gluing them around a plain wooden frame for a beachy photo holder or painting large clam shells to use as jewelry dishes or garden markers. Write the names of herbs or flowers on them using paint or permanent marker.
These kinds of projects are a great way for siblings, friends and grandparents to spend time together—creative, calming and nostalgic.
A shore-inspired touch for a special celebration
One of my favorite ideas came from my daughter’s bat mitzvah, which had a “Jersey Girl” theme. We painted shells to serve as place cards, each one decorated with a beach scene on the front and a guest’s name and table number on the back. It became a three-generation project—painted by my daughter, her grandpop and me in the year leading up to the celebration.
The shells added a personal touch to the decor, doubled as favors, and became keepsakes. Many guests still have theirs at home, a small reminder of the day—and of the Shore.
Lisa is an advertising copywriter, journalist and columnist. Claim to fame: Lou’s waitress for four teenage summers. For column comments, story ideas or to get on her “quote list,” email redshoeslzs@gmail.com.
